Golden Temple and Little Tibet (15 days / 13 nights)
India is an immense country, full of treasures and cultures. The northern states in the Himalayan mountains bear no resemblance to the rest of the country. These are magical, extraordinary places where the sunlight is reflected in the hearts of the people who live in these peaceful mountains. You'll encounter the infinite serenity and spirituality that emanate from the Buddhist monasteries. On this tour you will discover the city of refuge of the Dalai Lama, the Golden Temple of the Sikhs and contemplate the highest mountain range in the world.
Itinerary: Delhi-Amritsar-Pragpur-Dharamsala-Mc Leod Ganj Manali-Jespa-Sarchu-Uletopko-Leh
Day 1 France / Delhi
Depart France and fly to Delhi. Typical welcome with a flower necklace and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 Delhi / Amritsar (Night train)
After breakfast, you will set off to explore Old and New Delhi. You will visit the most important and significant places in the Indian capital. During the day, you will admire the Gate of India, a monument to the soldiers who gave their lives in the First World War. You can also visit Humayun's Tomb, a magnificent example of Mughal architecture. Lunch during the visits. You will then set off to discover the new Delhi with the Raj Ghat, home to the memorial to Gandhi, the father of the nation. You will be able to contemplate the Qutub Minar, also known as the Victory Tower, which remains the tallest tower in India and the third tallest in the world. Finally, you'll head to the Connaught district, which is characterised by its lively, modern feel. Here you can see the Presidential Palace, Parliament and the country's other institutions. At the end of the day, and depending on the time of your train, transfer to Delhi station to catch your train to Amritsar. Picnic lunch and overnight on the train.
Day 3 Amritsar
Arrival in Amritsar, transfer to hotel. Breakfast at the hotel. Free time to rest and freshen up. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon visit to the Golden Temple, a major pilgrimage site for the Sikhs. Then visit the Jallianwala Bagh memorial. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 4 Amritsar / Paragpur
After breakfast, departure for the enchanting historic village of Paragpur, situated at an altitude of 1,800 metres in the Kangra Valley. After lunch you will explore the town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will meet its inhabitants, with whom you can exchange questions about their daily lives. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 5 Paragpur / Mc Leodganj / Paragpur
After breakfast, departure for Mc Leodganj. Arrive in McLeodganj and visit the town's library, which is very interesting to say the least. Then lunch. You will then visit the church of San John and the Tsuglagkang monastery, which faces the Dalai Lama's house. Return to Paragpur. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 6 Paragpur / Manali
After breakfast you will set off for Manali, which lies at an altitude of 2000 metres. On the way you will discover the Kulu valley. Lunch during the journey. Arrival in Manali, a village from where you will have an incredible view of the snow-capped peaks. Check-in at your hotel. You will then explore Manali and its imposing Hadimba Mata temple. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7 Manali / Jespa
After breakfast, departure for Jespa, a town situated at an altitude of over 3,000 metres. On the way you will pass through Raohtang (4220m) to reach the village of Keylong, at an altitude of 3350 metres. Lunch on the way. Continue on to Jespa. Arrive in Jespa and check into your hotel. At the end of the day, visit the Jespa monastery and explore the town. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 8 Jespa / Sarchu
After breakfast, you will visit the Jespa ethnological museum. Then off to Sarchu along the Bhaga river. Lunch en route. On the way stop at Darcha and Baralacha (4892m altitude), starting points for trekking tours. Early afternoon hike to discover Sarchu. Dinner and overnight in camp.
Day 9 Sarchu / Leh
After breakfast, departure for Leh, the capital of the state of Ladakh, at an altitude of 3,500 metres. Lunch en route. On the way, you may catch a glimpse of urials and many other animals living in the heart of this marvellous natural environment. Arrive in Leh and check into your hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 Leh
After breakfast, you will discover Khadungla (5360m altitude), via one of the highest roads in the world. The view of the mountains from here is simply magnificent. Lunch at the hotel. Then a tour of the city and its most interesting sights, including the impressive City Palace. Then on to the Sjhanti Stupa. In the evening you can take a stroll through the craft market. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 11 Leh
After breakfast, you will set off to explore the monasteries around Leh: Spituk, with its temples and churches, and Phyang. Then the Shankar monastery and its golden gods. Lunch during the visits. In the afternoon, visit the Gompas, imposing Buddhist complexes that are truly typical of Ladakh. You will also visit Hemis, the largest monastery in the region. Visit Shey with its golden Buddha statue. Finally, you'll discover the temples of Thiksey, with their marvellous paintings. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 12 Leh / Uletopko
After breakfast, departure for the Alchi monastery on the banks of the river. Lunch at the monastery. You will then pass through the fields to discover the region's agriculture. In the evening, you can take a walk along the river to admire the beautiful Ridzong monasteries. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 13 Uletopko / Leh
After breakfast, drive to the Lamayuru monastery (16th century), built on a hilltop with a breathtaking view over the fields. Lunch before returning to Leh. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 14 Leh / Delhi (Flight)/ France After breakfast, and depending on your flight time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Delhi. Arrival in Delhi and free time to buy any last souvenirs you wish. Lunch at the hotel. Depending on your flight time, transfer to the airport to catch your flight to France. End of our services.
Day 15 France
Arrival in France.
